Relationship with Henrietta Maria:

Charles relationship with his spouse was surprising not only for his lack of
infidelity, but for his acceptance of the Catholic beliefs of his wife. When
Henrietta Maria was wed to Charles, negotiations with France included as
A.Anderson noted, the future queen being permitted to practice her own
Catholic religion; at the time this was crucial for any dowry to be paid to the
treasury. When news reached the wider public that the Queen was allowed to
attend her own mass, it was viewed as an attack on the Protestant faith, however
the action of allowing the Queen to practice her own faith was evidence of the
security of the reformed faith in England, to make such concessions indicated
that Catholicism was no longer a threat to the King and his followers. Further the
acceptance of Henrietta Marias faith brought with it a greater toleration of
Catholics in England for example during negotiations James agreed to relax the
laws again recusants (Mark Kishlansky), with this we see the greater toleration
of Catholics which is important to note when looking back on religious toleration
under Mary I, having been a Catholic she proceeded to persecute protestants
with the inclusion of burnings, it must be said that such a reign had long set a
precedent for the response of protestant Kings and Queens in their attitudes
towards Catholics, especially in Ireland.
It must be said however that under Charles there was not as severe the
persecution of those of the opposing faith in England as under Mary and this
stands testament to his reign. The issue one confronts when discussing tyranny
is Charles approach towards Catholics, is the treatment of Ireland. Although
Catholics had been given some form of clemency, the monarch who led the
Church of England would not tolerate the dominance of the Catholics, he
displayed his actions in sending Sir Thomas Wentworth to the island in 1632.
A.Anderson noted he promoted trade, reformed trade and built upon the army
all of which colours Wentworth in a positive light, his ability to control the Irish
who had for a century been one of the greatest fears of the then newly reformed
Church of England, provides evidence for a King who made concessions, but
would not be overwhelmed by opposition. To the Catholics of Ireland Charles
policy would have appeared oppressive yet it was not in fact Charles who set the
precedent to treat Ireland in such a way. Under previous monarchs Ireland was
often vilified given its staunch opposition to the Protestant faith, and this
resonated through to Charles reign, requiring attention for the betterment of
security for all three of his Kingdoms.